Olympics: Boxers rely on experience

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Thursday March 20, 2008 00:00

 

The boxers jet off to Namibia today. The team consists of boxer of the year Herbert Nkabiti (64kg), Thato Batshegi (57kg), Moabi Mothiba (69kg), Bathusi Mogajane (48kg) and national team debutant Kgomotso Bok (51kg). Nkabiti and Batshegi failed to make it at the first qualifiers in Algeria last month when they were knocked out in the preliminary stages. Khumiso Ikgopoleng (54kg) became the only boxer to sail through to the Olympics for the second time. The highly experienced Ikgopoleng booked his ticket after beating South African Joseph Mhlongo.

After the first qualifiers, Botswana coach Johannes Ditlhabang conceded that the bouts were very tough for his boys. He complained about incompetent refereeing at the Algeria event. 

On Tuesday, he said they hope the mistakes that marred the first qualifiers will not occur again. 'There were a lot of factors that contributed to our failure but now we hope we would not experience them,' said Ditlhabang. He is confident his boys will do well in Namibia because most of the top opponents in the continent have already qualified. 

He pointed out that the preparations went well and the boxers are eager and determined to qualify. 'We are looking for something big this time. The boys' morale is very high,' he said confidently.

Ditlhabang strongly believes that the boxers would use their international experience to edge past their opponents. He is happy that the second qualifiers are just across the border in Namibia because this gives Botswana boxers an advantage since the environment is the same like home.

A fortnight ago, Botswana team travelled to Namibia for an international friendly but the locals faired badly under controversial circumstances.

Ditlhabang said they could not take part in last weekend's Inter Club Championships at SSKB Recreational Hall because they wanted the boxers to rest before the qualifiers.

Though Bok and Mothiba are new at this level of competition, the coach trusts them and is optimistic that they will qualify. Ditlhabang said the fact that they are selected for the national team is a testimony to their potential. Mogajane represented Botswana at the last All-Africa Games last year and should do well in Namibia.